Manchester City defender Ruben Dias said a "dry pitch" had made life difficult for Pep Guardiola's superstars as he attempted to explain how they lost at the City Ground.
The Reds remain on course to secure Champions League football against all the odds after recording a superb 1-0 win over the reigning champions yesterday.
Callum Hudson-Odoi's goal sealed the win over Pep Guardiola's side which kept them four points clear of City in the battle to stake a place in the top four.
Forest were worth their win, but Dias said the conditions had not helped City particularly the surface.
"With the pitch dry it makes things a bit more difficult,’ Dias said.
"It was [the same] last season and at Fulham too. It depends on the weather as well and goodwill from everyone to make the game fast."
City now face a fight to secure their place in the Champions League next season in what has been a poor season considering their lofty standards.
And Dias added: "‘I felt like the team was strong,’ he added. ‘Then all the little extras - not conceding, doing better in certain moments, trying to move the ball faster. All these details count.
"Obviously when you come from a circumstance when you're used to winning and fighting for everything until the end, then it's not easy to take when things are [like they are] now.
"But it's our challenge and right now to fight for this top four is our final of the Champions League, it's our winning of the Premier League for this season.
"It everything, from the competitive mentality, everything to make sure every detail is covered. That's the way you win without a doubt. It's how we've won before and how we have to fight."
Will Forest secure a place in the top four? Have your say HERE.